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Knock-Knees (Child)

Knock-Knees (genu valgum) is an inward bending of the legs from the knees to the ankles. This causes the knees to touch while the feet are apart when standing. It's most common between ages 3 and 5. It often corrects itself by ages 4 to 7.

Home care

There is no special home care needed.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your child’s healthcare provider as advised.

When to get medical advice

Call your child’s healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:

  • Problem gets worse after your child's 4th birthday

  • Problem lasts after your child’s 7th birthday

  • Child has pain, limping, or falling 

  • With your child standing with their inner knees touching and both kneecaps pointing forward, the distance between your child's inner ankle bones is more than 3 inches.

Online Medical Reviewer: Louise Cunningham RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer: Thomas N Joseph MD
Date Last Reviewed: 2/1/2022
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